None of the rest of the Julio-Claudian emperors—all of whom were related either to Augustus or to his wife, Livia—possessed Augustus’ political savvy. His immediate successor, Tiberius, however, was quite competent as was Claudius. The former is referred to in Luke 3:1 and the latter in Acts 18:2. Gaius Caligula and Nero, on the other hand, are synonymous with madness and debauchery. They knew no moral restraint and possessed no respect for human life. Caligula almost touched off a Jewish war when